As an appreciator of Americana-style food, I’m always on the hunt for the new and delicious restaurants to try. This is especially true when it comes to burger restaurants. Everywhere I go, I keep an eye out for distinctive and exciting looking (and tasting) burgers; I personally think you can tell a lot about the place you’re visiting by the burgers they serve.
Recently, I heard about an incredible place in Hamilton, and I came to discover a place full of flavor combinations you’ll have to taste to believe. At Mad Mike’s Burgers & Fries, they pride themselves on “the burger always looking like the picture on the menu board.” This means every bite is packed to the max with toppings and is stacked so tall you aren’t quite sure how to tackle the first bite.
While I was there, I got a chance to sit down with the owner of Mad Mike’s, Sam Edaili, to talk to him about the restaurant. I also took the opportunity to see what all the buzz was about, and I tried the Rockefeller burger which definitely did not disappoint. When looking at the list of ingredients: blue cheese crumbles, mango chutney, beer battered onion strings, and cilantro mayo, I was instantly intrigued and knew it would be delicious. Once I took a bite into the burger, I knew I made the right choice. The onion strings and the mango chutney sauce took the burger to the next level. The fries were also the perfect amount of crunchy – a process I’m sure they have down to a science.
Sam says the name “Mad Mike's” stems from their belief that their burgers are over-the-top from the ingredients, to the size and food portions, to the affordable price. Together, all of that makes the “Mad” half, and the founder Mike brought the “Mike’s” half of the name. When he mentioned the ingredients, I wanted to know more, so Sam explained that their ingredients are hand prepped and every patty is made fresh from 100% Back Angus Beef, so each burger is specially made with the customer in mind.
When you scan through the menu, you’ll notice that many of the burgers have very interesting names. For example: Pride of Zeus, Look-Out Below, and The Mafioso. Sam said that the names signify the inspirations at the time of perfecting each recipe. Two burgers I found particularly captivating (and I almost ordered) are the Hawaii-Five-O and the Goliath burgers. The Hawaii-Five-O is a sweet combination of pineapple, onion strings, and BBQ sauce. The Goliath burger is Mad Mike’s best-selling item featuring two grilled cheeses with a bacon, BBQ, and double patty burger in the middle. I’m still trying to decide which one I’ll get the next time I go.
Photo: Mad Mike's Burgers & Fries - Hawaii-Five-O (top) & Goliath (bottom)
To experience the deliciousness of Mad Mike’s Burgers & Fries yourself head to 194 N Brookwood Ave, Hamilton, OH.